The Trappist glass. Whether a goblet (tending to be on the more delicate and thin side) or the chalice (thicker walled with a sturdy stem), the primary aim of these glasses is to show off the aroma of its contents and the skill of the beers maker. Beers (Trappist Ales, Berliner Weiss) get to showcase their multitude of aromas, as well as, being able to show off the lacy head associated with these beers. The wide mouth of these glasses allows for the nose to be enveloped in aroma.Highlights: Close to art in some cases. Wide mouth to allow maximum aroma. Showcase for lace and head rentention of trappist ales.

Very much like a traditional tulip glass, but with a rounder bottom. This glass is primarily used for Scotch ales, but a Belgian ale would feel at home in it. Highlights: Helps accentuate the beer’s malty character.

As with wine, this glass allows the complex aromas of primaly Belgian ales to shine. The large head space (the glass should be 20 to 25 ounces), coupled with is round shape directs the distinct aromas in these ales directly towards the nose.Barleywines, Wheat wines, Saison, Stout. These all can find a comforting home in this glass. Any big, aromatic beer would be welcome. Highlights: Aroma helper. Large size = large beer. Can drink wine from it when beer isnt in it.

Made of glass, pewter, silver, ceramic or earthenware, these glasses are mainstays pretty much whereever beer is on tap. They vary is size from .5 litres to multilitre versions. Some are dimpled, others may be etched glass. These are usually very sturdy and take well to toasts. Many many styles can find a home in a mug or a krug. Highlights: Large and sturdy. Inexpensive. Ceramic and Earthen versions retain cooling.

German for “Stick”. These glasses tend to be taller than more traditional glasses, but slimmer than most. This allows for the beers character to become more pronounced. Especially the beers hops character Highlight: Slender shape helps the beers best aspects shine.

Pilsner glasses tend to be smaller than pint glasses, usually 250ml or 330ml (12 oz.). Pilsner glasses should be tall, slender and tapered. Pilsner glasses (although similar to a wheat beer glass due to its size) are different in that the pilsner glass should have an even taper without curvature. Highlights: Pilsner glasses are made to showcase the color, effervescence, and clarity of the pilsner, as well as to maintain a nice head .

Chalices and goblets are large, stemmed, bowl-shaped glasses adequate for serving heavy Belgian ales,German bocks, and other big sipping beers. The distinction between goblet and chalice is typically in the glass thickness. Goblets tend to be more delicate and thin, while the chalice is heavy and thick walled. Some chalices are even etched on the bottom to nucleate a stream of bubbles for maintaining a nice head.